by Linda Finlay
‘Yes, that was kind, but with him being ill and Nan rushing round after him …’
‘You’ve been the one looking after the shop,’ he guessed.
She nodded. ‘Not that many people have ventured out these past weeks. Still, come the better weather, when the flowers are in bloom again, I shall certainly take up his offer. I also intend seeking out flowers to try and match the fragrance in my black bottle. I told you about that, didn’t I?’
‘Numerous times,’ he laughed. ‘You believe it’s important to follow your passion, don’t you?’ he asked, staring at her intently.
‘Yes, I do,’ she whispered, wondering what he was leading up to. He opened his mouth and she thought he was about to say something else, but he smiled and said it was time they were getting back. Feeling relieved yet disappointed, and not really knowing why, Eliza got to her feet.
As they made their way back to the shop, they heard the maroon being fired, followed by the pounding of feet on the cobbles. James stopped dead so that Eliza cannoned into him.
‘Hey, careful,’ she muttered, but James was staring transfixed as the rescue boat was launched. ‘Come along,’ she urged. ‘It’s time we were getting back.’
Reluctantly he nodded and followed her.
Next morning, the weather was brighter, bringing customers and all their news to the shop once more. A fisherman, desperate to feed his family, had set sail only to be caught up in a storm the previous day. The lifeboat had been launched and, much to the community’s relief, the man and his boat had been rescued.
‘Such brave men risking their lives, else poor Mrs Hook would have been a widow this morning, and her with thirteen mouths to feed,’ one woman whispered to Nan. ‘Waves washing right over the harbour wall, they were, then this morning sea’s calm as a millpond. Beggars belief, doesn’t it?’
‘It does indeed, Mrs Cutler. Now what can I get you?’ Nan enquired.
While Nan attended to the customer and Grandfa took her husband behind his screen for a consultation, Eliza tidied the shelves and thought about James. It was a shame he’d had to leave just as they were getting comfortable with each other. It had made her aware of two things, though. Although they’d spent many evenings walking around Follytown collecting flowers and chatting, they hadn’t really found out much about each other. More importantly, she really wanted to get to know him better.
As if her thoughts had conjured him up, the little bell over the door tinkled and there he was.
‘James, what are you doing here?’ she cried, hurrying over to greet him. ‘Did you not get back to Follytown last evening?’
‘I did, but I’ve been busy since. Oh, Eliza, I have so much to tell you,’ he said, his eyes bright with excitement.
An equally surprised Nan looked up from serving her customer and smiled. ‘It’s almost noon, Eliza. Take James upstairs and make a brew. I’ve left a plate of sandwiches ready, but kindly leave some for our luncheon too,’ she said, wagging her finger at them.
‘So what brings you here on a workday?’ Eliza asked, once they were settled in the easy chairs with their mugs of tea.
‘After I left you yesterday, I went back and watched the lifeboat. Those men were so capable and calm, even though the waves were breaking right over their boat. They’re doing something worthwhile with their lives, Eliza, and it got me thinking.’
Eliza’s heart nearly stopped. ‘You don’t mean …?’ she whispered, hardly daring to go on.
‘Well, it’s early days. Before I can volunteer I need to be living in Salting Regis. You have to be on the spot when the maroon’s fired, you see. Anyhow, I’ve spoken to Father and he’s agreed I can work alongside him in his shop and have my old room back. The guv wasn’t happy when I said I was leaving, but I’ve finished my apprenticeship so there was nothing he could do. He was more understanding when I explained I intended training for the lifeboats, though, and wished me well.’
‘But isn’t it dangerous?’ she asked.
‘Not if you do what you’re told. They have very strict rules about safety and such. Anyhow, I’ve to speak to the coxswain this afternoon. Oh, Eliza, I’m so excited. If I’m accepted for training, I shall be doing something rewarding with my life. Plus …’ He got up and pulled her to her feet, nearly spilling her tea over the rug.
‘Careful,’ she said, but he was too excited to pay any attention and, taking the mug from her, whirled her round the room.
‘Don’t you see? It means we shall be able to see each other every day after work,’ he cried, grinning from ear to ear. His enthusiasm was so infectious, she couldn’t help but smile back, even though a little knot of worry was coiling itself like a snake in the pit of her stomach. Could she really bear the thought of losing him now she’d finally found love? Didn’t everyone she loved disappear from her life one way or another?
34
Sitting at ‘their’ table, chocolatini in front of them, Eliza listened as James told her he was to report to the lifeboat station for training the next day. He was so excited he could hardly sit still, and it was some moments before he noticed her lack of enthusiasm.
‘I thought you’d be pleased for me,’ he said.
‘I am,’ she answered carefully, staring down at her drink.
‘But …?’ he persisted.
‘It sounds so dangerous, going out in heavy seas to rescue sailors who’ve themselves fallen victim of the same weather.’ And everyone I get close to disappears, one way or another, she thought. He smiled and took her hand. And I can’t face losing you, the voice in her head screamed.
‘So you do care a little for me, then?’ he teased. She swallowed down the lump in her throat and nodded. ‘Well, that’s good to know. And you needn’t worry about safety. Most of the crew are seasoned fishermen used to sailing in all conditions, and there are cork lifebelts to wear. Besides, the lifeboats are now purpose built and self-righting since that tragedy when some of the boatmen perished. They were on service to a barque carrying emigrants bound for Australia and …’
‘But what happens if you’re out when it gets dark?’ she interrupted.
‘Oh, Eliza, you are a worry pot,’ he laughed. ‘The lighthouses display leading lights to guide vessels into port. Now come along, drink up or Carla will be after us and we’ll be up the creek without a paddle,’ he laughed. ‘Get it? Boats and up the creek …’
‘If that was meant to be a joke, it was the worst one I’ve ever heard,’ she admonished.
‘I love it when you’re angry,’ he grinned. ‘Those pretty hazel eyes of yours spark with gold and the way you’re pouting those rosebud lips makes me want to kiss you right this minute.’
‘James Cary!’ she cried, peering around in case anyone had heard.
‘Well, if a chap can’t tell his girl how attractive she looks, then it’s a rum deal. Rum deal, get it?’ he chortled. ‘Sailors’ grog; rum …’
‘James Cary, this boating lark’s gone to your head.’
‘Sorry, Eliza. I meant what I said about you being pretty, though.’
She snorted and lifted her heavy boot. ‘With this? Hardly.’
He frowned. ‘I think you make too much of that. Oh, I know you limp sometimes when the weather’s cold or you’re tired, but you really are an attractive young lady.’
‘I wish you wouldn’t tease me so,’ she muttered, looking down at her drink.
‘Seems to me someone’s done their best to knock the confidence out of you,’ he said. ‘One day, I will make you see you are the most desirable woman in Salting Regis.
Now, as Nan’s given you the rest of the afternoon off, let’s go and see Father and tell him my good news.’
She stared at him in surprise, remembering her last visit. ‘Apparently all I’ve been doing is talking about you and he said he’d like to see you again.’
This time James’s father greeted Eliza with more warmth and was overjoyed to hear his son’s news.
‘That’s grand, lad. You must be proud of him, Eliza,’ he said, turning his gaze on her. She nodded but his eyes narrowed. ‘You are pleased, I take it?’
‘As long as he doesn’t take any risks, though how I’ll feel when I hear the maroon go up …’
‘’Tis your place to support him, my girl,’ Mr Cary cut in.
‘Hey, they haven’t taken me on for definite yet,’ James pointed out.
‘They will, strapping lad like you. Why, you were practically born sailing and rowing. Eliza, why don’t you make us some tea while James tells me more about his training?’ he suggested, nodding towards the scullery.
Feeling she’d been dismissed, Eliza did as he’d suggested. The kitchen area was tiny, every surface littered with dirty dishes. She was really going to have to keep her fears to herself in future, she thought, automatically clearing away and giving the grimy surfaces a wipe before setting out the tea things. Carefully, balancing three full mugs, she made way back to the workroom. The men were deep in conversation but stopped abruptly.
‘Have I interrupted something?’ she asked. The two men exchanged glances then James shook his head.
‘Father was just saying that now I’m working with him he might introduce a new line he’s been thinking of making. Seems before he can start, though, he needs a small foot to measure. Unfortunately, mine’s too big,’ he said, laughing down at his size elevens. Eliza stared down at her built-up boots and grimaced.
‘I’d offer but, as you can see, my feet wouldn’t be much use.’
Mr Cary looked at her foot. ‘Happen they’d do just fine, but to make sure, would you mind me taking off them boots so I can take a look?’ Eager to do something right, Eliza placed her mug on the bench and perched on his stool.
‘Nice bit of craftsmanship,’ he said, studying them. ‘How do you find they fit?’
‘They’re much better than the ones I had before, though I still walk like a clumsy clod, especially when it’s cold.’
The man frowned then bent and placed her foot on his knee. He twisted it this way and that, then shook his head.
‘Seen worse,’ he finally muttered, handing her back her boots.
‘Oh,’ she said, slightly put out by his off-hand manner. Then she saw James watching her. ‘Well, I hope that’s been of help,’ she added politely.
‘Yes, ta,’ the cobbler answered. Then he turned to his son. ‘Well, you’d best let me get on if I’m to make a start on that new line.’
‘Right, see you later then. Come on, Eliza, I’ll walk you home,’ James said.
‘’Bye, Mr Cary,’ Eliza said. The man grunted, having already turned back to his workbench.
‘Well, that went well, didn’t it?’ James said, as they made their way through the streets where the shopkeepers were closing up for the night.
‘Do you think so?’ she asked, recalling the way Mr Cary had rebuked her.
‘Oh, yes, very well indeed,’ James said, taking her hand.
Eliza saw little of James over the next few weeks and when they did meet, he looked tired and preoccupied. He blamed it on the new line his father was introducing and the extra hours he was putting in training now that the Lifeboat Institution had accepted him, but she wondered if she’d done something wrong.
Although business picked up in the shop, Nan seemed to be spending more time upstairs, leaving Eliza to deal with the customers. Whenever she asked Grandfa Sam if everything was all right, her questioning seemed to bring on a fit of coughing, making her wonder if she’d outstayed her welcome.
One morning she decided she’d ask if they wanted her to move on but as she opened the parlour door to offer her prepared speech she was met with a chorus of
‘Happy birthday!’
‘Oh,’ she gasped, staring at the smiling faces of James, Grandfa Sam and Nan. ‘Is it my birthday?’
They burst out laughing.
‘Indeed it is,’ James said, kissing her cheek.
‘But shouldn’t you be at work?’ she asked.
‘No, today is a special day. Now sit down so we can tuck into Nan’s special birthday breakfast. Then, if you eat up nicely, we might have a few surprises for you,’ he said.
‘Happy birthday, my dear,’ Nan said, placing a plate of bacon, eggs and fried bread in front of her.
‘And may you have many more, if it means we get fed like this,’ Grandfa Sam added, raising his mug. They all laughed and began eating.
‘That was delicious, Nan, thank you so much. You have been so kind the least I can do is our dishes,’ Eliza said, when they’d finished eating.
‘You’ll do no such thing on your special day, my girl,’ Nan chided. ‘You and Sam go and sit beside the fire while James and I clear the table.’
‘But …’ she began.
‘I wouldn’t argue, Eliza. I never do,’ Sam said, sinking thankfully into his chair.
‘How true,’ Nan laughed, collecting up their plates and bustling from the room.
‘Happy birthday, Eliza,’ Nan said, reappearing moments later and handing her a neatly wrapped parcel.
‘Why, thank you,’ she cried, tearing at the string, then unfolding the paper. ‘Oh, they’re beautiful,’ she whispered, holding up a sprigged cotton dress in peaches and cream along with a russet cape.
‘I hope you like them, dear. That’s what I’ve been making whilst you’ve been serving in the shop.’
‘But this material must have cost you a pretty penny,’ she murmured.
‘You’ve earned it and, besides, we’ve not forgotten you donated that cloak of yours for the boxes. Think of it as a combined birthday and Christmas present, for we never did get round to celebrating, did we?’ Grandfa Sam said.
‘Thank you,’ she whispered, stroking the soft material. ‘This stitching is so neat it must have taken you ages to do. I really appreciate all your hard work, Nan,’ she cried, jumping up and giving the woman a big hug.
‘Hope I get the same treatment,’ James teased, handing her a large box. Inside was the most beautiful pair of leather shoes Eliza had ever seen. They were a similar russet colour to the cape, fastened with the daintiest peach buttons. Her heart jumped, then flopped.
‘These are gorgeous … but shoes?’ Wordlessly she lifted her twisted foot.
‘No buts,’ James said. ‘Take off your boots.’
She stared at him. He couldn’t be teasing her, surely?
‘Go on, girl,’ Sam encouraged. James kneeled in front of her and gently eased the shoes onto her feet. They fitted perfectly.
‘Right, now take a walk across the room so we can all see,’ he urged. Hesitantly she got to her feet and took a few steps. It felt as if she was stepping on air.
‘I’m walking properly,’ she cried, but her words were lost amongst their cheers. ‘I can’t believe it.’ She turned to stare at the grinning James. ‘But how …?’
‘Remember that new line Father was talking about? Well, that was for you. I explained the trouble you had walking sometimes and asked if there was anything we could do. That’s why he wanted to inspect your foot,’ he grinned.
‘Why, you cunning …’ she began, realization dawn
ing.
‘I was thinking more along the lines of clever, handsome young man,’ he quipped, and Nan snorted. ‘Anyway, Father said if we carefully crafted the leather, taking your shape into account, there was no reason why we shouldn’t be able to make you a lighter pair of shoes. We burned many a candle till we got them right, I can tell you. Now go and put on your new finery. Today, Eliza, you are to be treated like a beautiful princess,’ he declared.
‘Oh, thank you,’ she cried, throwing herself into his arms.
‘Well, that sure was worth all those sleepless nights,’ he laughed.
‘But what if I get them dirty?’ she asked, staring down at her shiny new shoes.
James rolled his eyes. ‘Then we’ll clean them.’
A weak winter sun was breaking through the cloud, casting yellow rays over the calm waters as they strolled around the harbour.
‘This is the life,’ Eliza exclaimed, revelling in their unexpected time together. What a contrast it was to the moor, she thought, thinking back to her birthday before last. Fay and Duncan had been so kind making a fuss of her special day. It had been the first time since Grampy died that her birthday had even been acknowledged, let alone celebrated. Last year had been horrible, with Amos suddenly disappearing from the perfumery, but now James was making a fuss of her. As if picking up on her thoughts, he turned to her and grinned.
‘Happy?’
‘More than I can say,’ she said, nodding to a customer out walking her dog.
‘And you’re getting to know people too, which is good,’ he commented.
He began telling her about the men he now worked with on the lifeboat and how friendly they were. Then he pointed to a large vessel below the boat station, explaining how it was being checked over in case it should be needed for a rescue. She could hear the enthusiasm in his voice, see the gleam in his eyes and realized just how much his confidence had increased since he’d begun training. He looked so handsome in his navy jacket and light blue shirt, his dark hair now neatly cut, just hitting the back of his collar, that her heart gave a flutter. She stared down at her new outfit and beautiful shoes and for the first time truly felt she was worthy of being seen with him. If only she didn’t have this anxiety about his job hanging over her, everything would be perfect.